How to Make an Alcohol or Vinegar Extraction

Menstruum

A liquid, solvent that uses plant constituents from an herb. A menstruum can be water or glycerin.

- When using undried herbs, this will constitute for some of the water content in the menstruum. 

- When using dried herbs, the water content is lower around 8-12%. This can constitute as a more concentrated herbal extract. 

Decoction

A method of extraction by boiling herbal vor plant materials to dissolve the chemicals or the material. This can include stems, roots, bark, and rhizomes. 

 

Compress

Hot or cold compresses can be made by soaking cloth in a strong herbal solution and laying it over the afflicted area.

 

Tincture

Very Potent Herbal Extract

Used in small doses ~ approx, 8-10 drops

- Concentrated herbal extracts made by soeaking bark, roots, leaves, flowering parts, and fruiting body from 1 or more plants in alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar. The menstruum pulls out the active ingredients in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid.

 

 

How to Make a Tincture

 

Equipment: 

Glass Jar or Mason Jar 

Dried Herbs

Alcohol (80-100 Proof)

 

Procedure:

Take dried herbs (this could be herbs you've dried yourself or dried herbs from a grocer) and fully submerge them in the alcohol. Make sure the alcohol covers the dried herbs by at least 2 inches. 

Put away in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. 

 

Once ready for consumption:

After 4-6 weeks, strain the liquid into another container. 

With a cheesecloth or a french press, press the herbs so all of the herbs are pressed of the remaining liquid. 

Pour liquid into a tincture bottle that is dark in color, either dark blue or brown. 

Discard the herbs.